Transcriber’s Notes: This e-book was created from two sources:
(1) The Good Old Songs We Used to Sing—’61
to ’65 (1902); and (2) 19th-Century sheet music from The Civil War
Songbook (Dover Publications, 1977) and the Civil War and Historic Sheet Music
Collections of the Library of Congress (www.loc.gov).
A source list and notes for the music can be found
at the end of this e-book.
Click on the [Listen] link to hear a song (midi); click on the
[Notation] link (where provided) to view the music notation (pdf).
Hover the mouse over text underlined in red to see a
pop-up transcriber’s note, like this.
A table of contents has been added for the reader’s convenience.
The Good Old Songs
We Used to Sing—’61 to ’65
PRICE, TEN CENTS
GENERAL ULYSSES S. GRANT
PHOTO FROM LIFE, 1864
O.H. OLDROYD
Washington, D.C.
Nineteen Hundred and Two
 | he Good Old |
| SONGS |
WE USED TO SING
’61 to ’65.
Dedicated to the Veterans of the
War of the Rebellion.
First Published in 1882.
TEN CENTS.
SENT POSTPAID UPON RECEIPT OF PRICE.
COPYRIGHTED BY
O.H. Oldroyd, Publisher
Washington, D.C.
1902.
CONTENTS
JUST BEFORE THE BATTLE, MOTHER.
WE’VE DRUNK FROM THE SAME CANTEEN.
COLUMBIA, THE GEM OF THE OCEAN,
WE ARE COMING, FATHER ABRAHAM.
TENTING ON THE OLD CAMP GROUND.
WHEN JOHNNY COMES MARCHING HOME.
SHERMAN’S MARCH TO THE SEA.
(Used by permission of S. Brainard’s Sons, owners of the copyright.)
MAJ. GEN’L W.T. SHERMAN.
| Our camp fires shone bright on the mountain That frowned on the river below, While we stood by our guns in the morning, And eagerly watched for the foe, When a rider came out from the darkness That hung over mountains and tree, And shouted, “Boys, up and be ready, For Sherman will march to the sea.” When cheer upon cheer for bold Sherman | Then forward, boys, forward, to battle, We marched on our wearysome way, And we strewed the wild hills of Resaca— God bless those who fell on that day. Then Kennesaw, dark in its glory, Frowned down on the flag of the free; But the East and the West bore our standard As Sherman marched down to the sea. Still onward we pressed till our banner |
| Proud, proud was our army that morning That stood by the cypress and pine When Sherman said, “Boys, you are weary; This day fair Savannah is thine,” Then sang we a song for our chieftain That echoed o’er river and lea, And the stars on our banner shone brighter When Sherman marched on to the sea. |
MARCHING THROUGH GEORGIA.
Used by permission of S. Brainard’s Sons.
 2D CORPS. | Bring the good old bugle, boys, we’ll sing another song, Sing it with the spirit that will start the world along,— Sing it as we used to sing it, fifty thousand strong, While we were marching through Georgia. Chorus. “Hurrah! hurrah! we bring the Jubilee! |
| How the darkies shouted when they heard the joyful sound! How the turkeys gobbled which our commissary found! How the sweet potatoes even started from the ground, While we were marching through Georgia!—Chorus. Yes, and there were Union men who wept with joyful tears “Sherman’s dashing Yankee boys will never reach the coast!” So we made a thoroughfare for Freedom and her train, |
A THOUSAND YEARS.
Key of C.
 SOLID SHOT. | Lift up your eyes, desponding freemen! Fling to the winds your needless fears! He who unfurled your beauteous banner Says it shall wave a thousand years. Chorus. “A thousand years!” my own Columbia! |
| What if the clouds one little moment Hid the blue sky where morn appears When the bright sun that tints them crimson Rises to shine a thousand years!—Chorus. Tell the great world these blessed tidings! Envious foes beyond the ocean! Rebels at home! go hide your faces— |
| Back to your dens, ye secret traitors! Down to your own degraded spheres! Ere the first blaze of dazzling sunshine Shortens your lives a thousand years.—Chorus. Haste thee along, thou glorious noonday! |  SHERIDAN’S CAVALRY CORPS. |
HAIL COLUMBIA.
Copyrighted.
| Hail Columbia! happy land! Hail, ye heroes! heaven-born band! Who fought and bled in Freedom’s cause, Who fought and bled in Freedom’s cause, And when the storm of war was gone Enjoyed the peace your valor won. Let Independence be our boast, Ever mindful what it cost; Ever grateful for the prize, Let its altar reach the skies. Firm united let us be, Rallying round our liberty; As a band of brothers joined, Peace and safety we shall find. |  MAJ. GEN’L JOHN A. M’CLERNAND. |
| Immortal patriots, rise once more, Defend your rights, defend your shore, Let no rude foe, with impious hand, Let no rude foe, with impious hand, Invade the shrine where sacred lies, Of toil and blood the well-earned prize. While offering peace sincere and just, In heaven we place a manly trust, That truth and justice will prevail, And every scheme of bondage fail. Firm united let us be, etc. |
 19TH CORPS. | Sound, sound the trump of fame! Sound Washington’s great name, Ring through the world with loud applause, Ring through the world with loud applause; Let every clime to Freedom dear Listen with a joyful ear; With equal skill and godlike power, He governed in the fearful hour Of horrid war! or guides with ease The happier times of honest peace, Firm united let us be, etc. |
JUST BEFORE THE BATTLE, MOTHER.
Used by permission of S. Brainard’s Sons.
Key of B.
 BRIG. GEN’L M.M. CROCKER. | Just before the battle, mother, I am thinking most of you, While upon the field we’re watching, With the enemy in view. Comrades brave are round me lying, Fill’d with tho’ts of home and God, For well they know that on the morrow Some will sleep beneath the sod. Chorus. Farewell, mother, you may never |
| Oh, I long to see you, mother, And the loving ones at home; But I’ll never leave our banner Till in honor I can come. Tell the traitors, all around you, That their cruel words we know In every battle kill our soldiers By the help they give the foe.—Chorus. |
| Hark! I hear the bugle sounding, ’Tis the signal for the fight! Now, may God protect me, mother, As He ever does the right. Hear the “Battle Cry of Freedom,” How it swells upon the air! Oh, yes, we’ll rally round the standard, Or we’ll perish nobly there.—Chorus. |  6TH CORPS. |
WE’VE DRUNK FROM THE SAME CANTEEN.
By Maj. Charles G. Halpine (Private Miles O’Reilly), 47th N.Y. Vol.
Inf.
Key of C.
 ENGINEERS AND MECHANICS. | There are bonds of all sorts in this world of ours, Fetters of friendship and ties of flowers, And true lovers’ knots, I ween. The boys and the girls are bound by a kiss, But there’s never a bond, old friend, like this: We have drunk from the same canteen! The same canteen, my soldier friend, |
| It was sometimes water and sometimes milk, Sometimes apple-jack as fine as silk; But, whatever the tipple has been, We shared it together in bane or in bliss, And I warn you, friend, when I think of this: We have drunk from the same canteen. We’ve shared our blankets and tents together, For when wounded I lay on the outer slope, |
THE STAR SPANGLED BANNER.
Key of C.
 | Oh! say, can you see by the dawn’s early light What so proudly we hailed at the twilight’s last gleaming— Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous flight, O’er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming! And the rockets’ red glare, the bombs bursting in air, Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there; Oh! say, does that Star Spangled Banner yet wave O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave! |
| On that shore dimly seen through the mists of the deep, Where the foe’s haughty host in dread silence reposes, What is that which the breeze, o’er the towering steep, As it fitfully blows, now conceals, now discloses! Now it catches the gleam of the morning’s first beam, In full glory reflected, now shines on the stream; ’Tis the Star Spangled Banner, oh! long may it wave O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave! And where is that band who so vauntingly swore |
| Oh! thus be it ever when freemen shall stand Between their loved homes and the war’s desolation, Blest with victory and peace, may the heaven-rescued land Praise the power that hath made and preserved us a nation. Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just, And this be our motto—“In God is our trust”— And the Star Spangled Banner in triumph shall wave O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave! |
 FOURTEENTH CORPS. |
OLD SHADY.
Key of B.
SHELTER TENT.
| Oh, yah! yah! darkies laugh wid me, For the white folks say Old Shady’s free, So don’t you see that the Jubilee Is coming, coming, hail, mighty day! Chorus. Den away, away, for I can’t wait any longer! Oh! massa got scared, and so did his lady, Good-bye, Massa Jeff; good-bye, Miss’r Stephens, |
| Good-bye, hard work, wid neber any pay, I’s gwine up North where de good folks say Dat white wheat bread an’ a dollar a day Are a coming, coming, hail, mighty day.—Chorus. Oh! I’ve got a wife, and I’ve got a baby, |  SEVENTH CORPS. |
COLUMBIA, THE GEM OF THE OCEAN,
OR
RED, WHITE, AND BLUE.
(Used by permission of S. Brainard’s Sons.)
Key of G.
 MAJ. GEN’L JAMES B. M’PHERSON.
| Oh! Columbia, the gem of the ocean, The home of the brave and the free, The shrine of each patriot’s devotion, The world offers homage to thee. Thy mandates make heroes assemble, When Liberty’s form stands in view; Thy banners make tyranny tremble When borne by the Red, White, and Blue. Chorus. When borne by the Red, White, and Blue, When war waged its wide desolation, |
| That banner, that banner bring hither, Tho’ rebels and traitors look grim; May the wreaths it has won never wither, Nor the stars of its glory grow dim! May the service united ne’er sever, But they to their colors prove true! The Army and Navy forever, Three cheers for the Red, White, and Blue.—Chorus. |
THE ARMY BEAN.
[Listen]
Air—“Sweet Bye and Bye.”
 ELEVENTH CORPS. | There’s a spot that the soldiers all love, The mess-tent is the place that we mean, And the dish that we like to see there Is the old-fashioned, white Army bean. Chorus. ’Tis the bean that we mean, |
| Now, the bean in its primitive state Is a plant we have all often met, And, when cooked in the old army style, It has charms we can never forget.—Chorus. The German is fond of sauer kraut, |  FOURTH CORPS. |
 23D CORPS. | Refrain. Air—“Tell Aunt Rhoda.” Beans for breakfast, |
BRAVE BOYS ARE THEY.
(Used by permission of S. Brainard’s Sons, owners of the copyright.)
Key of A Flat.
 18TH CORPS. | Heavily falls the rain, Wild are the breezes tonight; But ’neath the roof the hours as they fly Are happy, and calm, and bright. Gathering round our firesides, Tho’ it be summer time, We sit and talk of brothers abroad, Forgetting the midnight chime. |
| Chorus. Brave boys are they! Under the homestead roof, Thinking no less of them, |  MINIE BALL. |
 22D CORPS. | May the bright wings of love Guard them wherever they roam; The time has come when brothers must fight And sisters must pray at home. Oh! the dread field of battle! Soon to be strewn with graves! If brothers fall, then bury them where Our banner in triumph waves.—Chorus. |
BATTLE HYMN OF THE REPUBLIC.
(By Mrs. Julia Ward Howe.)
Air—“John Brown.”
As sung by Chaplain C.C. McCabe while a prisoner in Libby,
after hearing Old Ben (the colored paper-seller in Richmond)
cry out, “Great news by the telegraph! Great battles at
Gettysburg! Union soldiers gain the day!” Upon hearing such
glorious news Chaplain McCabe sung this soul-stirring hymn,
all the prisoners joining heartily in the chorus, making the
old prison walls ring—“Glory, Glory, Hallelujah!”
 SIXTEENTH CORPS. | Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord; He is tramping out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored; He has loosed the fateful lightning of His terrible quick sword; His truth is marching on. Chorus.—Glory, Glory, Hallelujah! I have seen Him in the watch-fires of a hundred circling camps; Chorus.—Glory, Glory, Hallelujah! |
| I have read a fiery gospel, writ in burnished rows of steel, “As ye deal with my contemners, so with my grace shall deal; Let the hero born of woman crush the serpent with his heel, Since God is marching on.” Chorus.—Glory, Glory, Hallelujah! He has sounded forth the trumpet that shall never call retreat; Chorus.—Glory, Glory, Hallelujah! In the beauties of the lillies Christ was born across the sea Chorus.—Glory, Glory, Hallelujah! |
HOME, SWEET HOME.
(By John Howard Payne.)
Key of E Flat.
|
’Mid pleasures and palaces though we may roam, Be it ever so humble, there’s no place like home; A charm from the skies seems to hallow us there, Which, seek thro’ the world, is ne’er met with elsewhere. Home, home, sweet, sweet home; there’s no place like home Oh, there’s no place like home. I gaze on the moon as I tread the drear wild, An exile from home, splendor dazzles in vain; |
WHO WILL CARE FOR MOTHER NOW.
Key of B Flat.
 BRIG. GEN’L JOS. A. MOWER. | Why am I so weak and weary? See how faint my heated breath; All around to me seems darkness; Tell me, comrades, is this death? Ah! how well I know your answer; To my fate I meekly bow, If you’ll only tell me truly Who will care for mother now? Chorus. Soon with angels I’ll be marching, |
| Who will comfort her in sorrow? Who will dry the falling tear, Gently smooth her wrinkled forehead? Who will whisper words of cheer? Even now I think I see her Kneeling, praying for me! how Can I leave her in anguish? Who will care for mother now?—Chorus. |
| Let this knapsack be my pillow, And my mantle be the sky; Hasten, comrades, to the battle! I will like a soldier die. Soon with angels I’ll be marching, With bright laurels on my brow; I have for my country fallen; Who will care for mother now?—Chorus. |  25TH CORPS. |
WHEN THIS CRUEL WAR IS OVER.
(Used by permission.)
Key of C.
 MAJ. GEN’L FRANK P. BLAIR. | Dearest love, do you remember! When we last did meet, How you told me that you loved me, Kneeling at my feet? Oh! how proud you stood before me, In your suit of blue, When you vowed to me and country Ever to be true. Chorus. Weeping, sad and lonely, |
| When the summer breeze is sighing, Mournfully along! Or when autumn leaves are falling, Sadly breathes the song. Oft in dreams I see thee lying On the battle plain, Lonely, wounded, even dying; Calling, but in vain.—Chorus. |  SIGNAL CORPS. |
 CANISTER. | If amid the din of battle Nobly you should fall, Far away from those who love you, None to hear you call, Who would whisper words of comfort, Who would soothe your pain? Ah! the many cruel fancies Ever in my brain.—Chorus. But our country called you, darling, |
WE ARE COMING, FATHER ABRAHAM.
(Used by permission of S. Brainard’s Sons, owners of the copyright.)
 LINCOLN. | We are coming, Father Abraham—three hundred thousand more, From Mississippi’s winding stream and from New England’s shore; We leave our plows and workshops, our wives and children dear, With hearts too full for utterance, with but a silent tear; We dare not look behind us, but steadfastly before— We are coming, Father Abraham—three hundred thousand more! |
| If you look across the hill-tops that meet the northern sky, Long moving lines of rising dust your vision may descry; And now the wind, an instant, tears the cloud veil aside, And floats aloft our spangled flag in glory and in pride; And bayonets in the sunlight gleam, and bands brave music pour— We are coming, Father Abraham—three hundred thousand more! If you look all up our valleys, where the growing harvests shine, |
| You have called us, and we’re coming, by Richmond’s bloody tide, To lay us down for freedom’s sake, our brothers’ bones beside. Or from foul treason’s savage grasp to wrench the murderous blade, And in the face of foreign foes its fragments to parade. Six hundred thousand loyal men and true have gone before— We are coming, Father Abraham—three hundred thousand more! |  |
TENTING ON THE OLD CAMP GROUND.
(Used by permission of S. Brainard’s Sons, owners of the copyright.)
Key of A.
 20TH CORPS. | We’re tenting tonight on the old camp ground; Give us a song to cheer Our weary hearts; a song of home And friends we love so dear. Chorus. Many are the hearts that are weary tonight, |
|
We’ve been tenting tonight on the old camp ground, Thinking of days gone by, Of loved ones at home who gave us the hand And the tear that said good-bye.—Chorus. We’re tired of the war on the old camp ground; |
| We’ve been fighting today on the old camp ground; Many are lying near; Some are dead and some are dying, Many are in tears. Chorus. Many are the hearts that are weary tonight, |  SIBLEY TENT. |
JOHN BROWN’S SONG.
(Used by permission of S. Brainard’s Sons.)
 TENTH CORPS. | John Brown’s body lies a mouldering in the grave, John Brown’s body lies a mouldering in the grave, John Brown’s body lies a mouldering in the grave, His soul’s marching on! Chorus. Glory Hally, Hallelujah! Glory Hally, Hallelujah! |
| He’s gone to be a soldier in the army of our Lord, He’s gone to be a soldier in the army of our Lord, He’s gone to be a soldier in the army of our Lord, His soul’s marching on! Chorus. Glory Hally, Hallelujah! Glory Hally, Hallelujah! John Brown’s knapsack is strapped upon his back, Chorus. Glory Hally, Hallelujah! Glory Hally, Hallelujah! His pet lamps will meet him on the way, Chorus. Glory Hally, Hallelujah! Glory Hally, Hallelujah! They will hang Jeff Davis to a sour apple tree! Chorus. Glory Hally, Hallelujah! Glory Hally, Hallelujah! |
| Now, three rousing cheers for the Union! Now, three rousing cheers for the Union! Now, three rousing cheers for the Union! As we are marching on! Chorus. Glory Hally, Hallelujah! Glory Hally, Hallelujah! |  GRAPE. |
BATTLE CRY OF FREEDOM.
(Used by permission of S. Brainard’s Sons.)
Key of G Flat.
 MAJ. GEN. JOHN A. LOGAN. | Yes, we’ll rally round the flag, boys, we’ll rally once again, Shouting the battle cry of freedom; We’ll rally from the hillside, we’ll gather from the plain, Shouting the battle cry of freedom. Chorus. The Union forever, hurrah! boys, hurrah! We are springing to the call of our brothers gone before, |
| We will welcome to our ranks the loyal, true, and brave, Shouting the battle cry of freedom; And altho’ they may be poor, not a man shall be a slave, Shouting the battle cry of freedom.—Chorus. So we’re springing to the call from the East and from the West, |  FIFTEENTH CORPS. |
BONNIE BLUE FLAG.
| We are a band of patriots, Who each leave home and friend Our noble Constitution And banner to defend; Our Capitol was threatened, And the cry rose near and far To protect our country’s glorious flag That glitters with many a star. |  NINTH CORPS. |
| Chorus. Hurrah, hurrah, for the Union, boys, hurrah! Much patience and forbearance They forced the war upon us, |
 BRIG. GEN. ISAAC F. QUINBY. | We’re in the right and will prevail, The Stars and Stripes must fly, The “bonnie blue flag” be hauled down, And every traitor die; Freedom and peace enjoyed by all As ne’er was known before, Our Spangled Banner wave on high, With stars just thirty-four.—Chorus. |
AMERICA.
Key of F.
 FIFTH CORPS. | My country, ’tis of thee, Sweet land of liberty, Of thee I sing; Land where my fathers died, Land of the pilgrim’s pride, From every mountain side Let freedom ring. |
| My native country, thee, Land of the noble, free, Thy name I love; I love thy rocks and rills, Thy woods and templed hills; My heart with rapture thrills Like that above. Let music swell the breeze, |
| Our father’s God, to thee, Author of liberty, To thee I sing; Long may our land be bright With freedom’s holy light; Protect us by thy might, Great God our King. |  GEN. PETER J. OSTERHAUS. |
COMBINATION KNIFE, FORK, AND SPOON.
KINGDOM COMING.
(Used by permission of S. Brainard’s Sons, owners of the copyright.)
Key of C.
 BRIG. GEN. ALBERT L. LEE. | Say, darkies, hab you seen old massa, Wid de muffstash on his face, Go long de road some time dis mornin’, Like he gwine to leave de place? He seen a smoke way up de ribber Whar de Linkum gunboats lay; He took his hat an’ left berry sudden, An’ I ’spect he’s run’d away! Chorus. De massa run, ha, ha! |
| He is six foot one way, four foot tudder, An’ he weigh tree hundred pounds; His coat so big he couldn’t pay de tailor, An’ it wouldn’t go half way round; He drill so much dey call him Cap’n, An’ he get so drefful tanned, I ’spects he’ll try an’ fool dem Yankees For to tink he’s contraband.—Chorus.De darkies feel so lonesome libbing In de log house on de lawn Dey move dar tings to massa’s parlor For to keep it while he’s gone. Dar’s wine an’ cider in de kitchen, An’ de darkies dey’ll hab some; I s’pose dey’ll all be confiscated When de Linkum soldiers come.—Cho. |  BRIG. GEN. JOHN M’ARTHUR. |
| De oberseer he make us trubble, An’ he dribe us round a spell; We lock him up in de smoke-house cellar, Wid de key trown in de well; De whip is lost, de han’cuff broken; But de massa’ll habe his pay; He’s ole enough, big enough, ought to know better Dan to went and run away.—Chorus. |
THE VACANT CHAIR.
(Used by permission of S. Brainard’s Sons.)
Key of A Flat.
 GEN. ALVIN P. HOVEY. | We shall meet, but we shall miss him; There will be one vacant chair; We shall linger to caress him While we breathe our evening prayer. When, a year ago, we gathered Joy was in his mild blue eye; But a golden cord is severed, And our hopes in ruin lie. Chorus. We shall meet, but we shall miss him; |
| At our fireside, sad and lonely, Often will the bosom swell At remembrance of the story How our noble Willie fell; How he strove to bear our banner Through the thickest of the fight, And upheld our country’s honor In the strength of manhood’s might.—Chorus. |
| True, they tell us wreaths of glory Evermore will deck his brow; But this soothes the anguish only Sweeping o’er our heart strings now. Sleep, today, O early fallen! In thy green and narrow bed; Dirges from the pine and cypress Mingle with the tears we shed.—Chorus. |  GEN. NATHAN KIMBALL. |
NEARER, MY GOD, TO THEE.
Key of G.
 MAJ. GEN. E.O.C. ORD. | Nearer, my God, to Thee, Nearer to Thee! E’en though it be a cross That raiseth me! Still all my song shall be, Nearer my God, to Thee, Nearer to Thee! Though, like a wanderer, |
| There let the way appear Steps unto heaven; All that Thou sendest me In mercy given; Angels to beckon me Nearer, my God, to Thee, Nearer to Thee! Then, with my waking thoughts |  ADMIRAL DAVID D. PORTER. |
SHRAPNEL CONTAINING 80 MUSKET BALLS.
TRAMP, TRAMP, TRAMP.
(Used by permission of S. Brainard’s Sons.)
Key of B Flat.
 BRIG. GEN. EUGENE A. CARR. | In the prison cell I sit, thinking, mother, dear, of you, And our bright and happy home so far away, And the tears they fill my eyes, spite of all that I can do, Tho’ I try to cheer my comrades and be gay. Chorus. Tramp, tramp, tramp, the boys are marching; |
| In the battle front we stood when the fiercest charge was made, And they swept us off a hundred men or more; But before we reached their lines they were beaten back dismayed, And we hear the cry of victory o’er and o’er.—Chorus. |  FIRST CORPS. |
 MAJ. GEN. FRED’K STEELE. | So within the prison cell we are waiting for the day That shall come to open wide the iron door, And the hollow eye grows bright and the poor heart almost gay As we think of seeing friends and home once more.—Chorus. |
WHEN JOHNNY COMES MARCHING HOME.
(Used by permission of S. Brainard’s Sons.)
Key of B Flat.
 WILSON’S CAVALRY CORPS. | When Johnny comes marching home again, Hurrah, hurrah! We’ll give him a hearty welcome then, Hurrah, hurrah! The men will cheer, the boys will shout, The ladies they will all turn out, And we’ll all feel gay When Johnny comes marching home. |
| The old church bell will peal with joy, Hurrah, hurrah! To welcome our darling boy, Hurrah, hurrah! The village lads and lassies say With roses they will strew the way, And we’ll all feel gay When Johnny comes marching home. Get ready for the Jubilee, |  |
 THIRD CORPS. | Let love and friendship on that day, Hurrah, hurrah! Their choicest treasures then display, Hurrah, hurrah! And let each one perform some part To fill with joy the warrior’s heart, And we’ll all feel gay When Johnny comes marching home. |
I’SE GWINE BACK TO DIXIE.
 11TH AND 12TH CORPS. | I’se gwine back to Dixie, I’se gwine no more to wander, My heart’s turned back to Dixie, I can’t stay here no longer; I’ve left the old plantation, My home and my relation, My heart’s turned back to Dixie And I must go. |
| Chorus. I’se gwine back to Dixie, I’ve hoed in fields of cotton, I’se traveling back to Dixie, |
FRATERNITY.
[Listen]
In mustering a recruit, sing after—“They have been so examined and
found worthy.”
Air—“Auld Lang Syne.”
 MAJ. GEN. MANNING F. FORCE. | Should auld acquaintance be forgot, And never brought to mind; Should auld acquaintance be forgot, And days of auld lang syne? Chorus. For auld land syne, my boys, |
CHARITY.
Sing after the words—“But the greatest of these is Charity.”
| Meek and lowly, pure and holy, Chief among the blessed three; Turning sadness into gladness, Heaven-born art thou Charity. Pity dwelleth in thy bosom, Kindness reigneth o’er thy heart; Gentle thoughts alone can sway thee, Judgment with thee hath no part. Chorus. Meek and lowly, pure and holy, |  CAVALRY CORPS, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC. |
LOYALTY.
[Listen]
Sing after the words—“The crowning principle of loyalty.”
Air—“America.”
Key of F.
 | My country, ’tis of thee, Sweet land of liberty, Of thee I sing; Land where our comrades died, Land of the pilgrims’ pride, From every mountain side Let freedom ring. Our fathers’ God to thee, |
ODE ON PRESENTATION OF BADGE.
[Listen]
Air—“Hold the Fort.”
Sing while the badge is being pinned on.
| Comrades, take this badge of freedom Our Grand Army gives; Let it be the sign of honor Every loyal lives. Chorus. Wear the badge and keep it shining Then, proud eagle, still soar sunward; |
GREETING ODE.
[Listen]
Sing while the recruit is signing the roll.
Air—“Glory Hallelujah.”
 | Warm be the welcome and glad be the cheer Greeting our comrades who join with us here— Warm as in days when with never a fear We all went marching on. Chorus. Glory, glory, hallelujah! |
| Held by fraternity in bonds that are sure, Drawn close in charity by ties that are pure, Filled with a loyalty that ever shall endure, We still go marching on. Chorus.—Glory, glory, hallelujah, etc. Elbow to elbow we stood through the fight, Chorus.—Glory, glory, hallelujah, etc. |  EIGHTH CORPS. |
CLOSING ODE.
[Listen]
Air—“Auld Lang Syne.”
 24TH CORPS. | Shall we forget those far-off days Which made us comrades all? Shall we forget how swift the feet That ran at duty’s call? Shall we forget the honored dead That sleep beneath the sod, Who gave their lives for liberty, Our country, and our God? |
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A straightforward account of this dreadful tragedy which still stands
out in the annals of assassination. It contains much valuable
information.—Louisville (Ky.) Courier Journal.
Lincoln’s Murderers.—This is a patiently wrought out narrative of the
most tragic event in American history. One merit of the book is its
many illustrations, taken from original photographs and
drawings.—Boston Journal.
Story of Lincoln’s Death.—“The Assassination of Abraham Lincoln,” by
O.H. Oldroyd, is a book that will be found to possess a distinct value
of its own. The qualifications of the author for a work of this kind
are shown to be exceptional.—Chicago (Ill.) Post.
The historical importance of this volume it would be difficult to
estimate. As absorbing as a novel and as accurate as the report of a
statistician, it will attract the attention of every class of readers
and remain a source of reference to old and young.—Public Ledger,
Phila., Pa.
Words of Lincoln
Consisting of beautiful extracts from over two hundred different
orations, speeches, debates, letters, etc., chronologically arranged,
dating from 1832 to 1865, making practically a life of Lincoln in his
own words, together with 230 beautiful tributes by eminent men, giving
their opinion of his life and character. An admirable book for school
work, giving the scholar an insight to his wise and inspiring sayings,
and familiarizing them with the prominent men of our country.
Handsomely illustrated, bound in best silk cloth, heavy paper, gold
stamping, price $1.00.
Sent upon receipt of price. Address
O.H. OLDROYD, Publisher
516 TENTH STREET N.W., WASHINGTON, D.C.
Agents wanted for sale of above books.
Press of JUDD & DETWEILER, Washington, D.C.
Music Source List
Note: Bracketed words/music credits in the list below indicate that the credits do not
appear on the sheet music used for this e-book, and were obtained from Wikipedia
(en.wikipedia.org) and the Public Domain Music website (www.pdmusic.org).
The midi and pdf files provided in this e-book were created using Finale
2007. Minor errors in the original sheet music have been corrected, the
notation style has been modernized, and in most cases repeats have been
omitted.
Copyright notices and keys specified in the original text of The Good Old Songs
are not necessarily the same as those in the sheet music used to prepare this
e-book. Where only the tune of a song is used, notation has not been
provided.
From The Civil War Songbook (New York:
Dover Publications, Inc., 1977)
Marching through Georgia, words and
music by Henry Clay Work, Chicago: Root & Cady, 1865
[midi] [pdf]
Just Before the Battle, Mother,
words and music by George Frederick Root, Chicago: Root & Cady, 1864
[midi] [pdf]
Brave Boys Are They!, words and music by Henry Clay Work,
Chicago: H.M. Higgins, 1861 [midi] [pdf]
Battle Hymn of the Republic, words by
Mrs. Dr. S.G. [Julia Ward] Howe, Boston: Oliver Ditson & Co., 1862
[midi] [pdf]
Weeping, Sad and Lonely (or When This
Cruel War Is Over), words by Charles Carroll Sawyer, music by Henry Tucker, Brooklyn:
Sawyer & Thompson, 1862 [midi] [pdf]
We Are Coming Father Abra’am (300,000 More),
words by Wm. Cullen Bryant, music by L.O. Emerson, Boston: Oliver Ditson
& Co., 1862 [midi] [pdf]
Tenting on the Old Camp Ground,
words and music by Walter Kittredge, Boston: Oliver Ditson & Co., 1864
[midi] [pdf]
The Battle Cry of Freedom, words and
music by Geo. F. Root, Chicago: Root & Cady, 1862
[midi] [pdf]
The Bonnie Blue Flag, words by Harry Macarthy, New
Orleans: A.E. Blackmar & Bro., 1861 (color cover image from the Library of
Congress) [midi] [pdf]
Kingdom Coming, words and music by Henry Clay Work, Chicago: Root
& Cady, 1862 [midi] [pdf]
The Vacant Chair (or We Shall Meet but We Shall Miss Him),
words and music by George Frederick Root, Chicago: Root & Cady, 1862
[midi] [pdf]
Tramp! Tramp! Tramp! (or The Prisoner’s Hope), words and music by George Frederick Root,
Chicago: Root & Cady, 1864 [midi] [pdf]
When Johnny Comes Marching Home,
words and music by “Louis Lambert” (Patrick Sarsfield Gilmore),
Boston: Henry Tolman & Co., 1863
[midi] [pdf]
From the Library of Congress, Civil War and
Historic Sheet Music Collections (www.loc.gov)
Sherman’s March to the Sea, words by
S.H.M Byers, music by J.O. Rockwell, New York: Wm. Hall & Son, 1865
[midi] [pdf]
Song of a Thousand Years, words and music by
Henry C. Work, Chicago: Root & Cady, 1863
[midi] [pdf]
Hail, Columbia, [words by Joseph Hopkinson, music
by Philip Phile], New York: Wm. Dresser, 1861
[midi] [pdf]
We’ve Drunk from the Same Canteen,
words by Miles O’Reilly, music by James G. Clark, New York: Wm. A.
Pond & Co., 1865 [midi]
[pdf]
The Star-Spangled Banner, [words by
Francis Scott Key], transcribed for piano by Ch. Voss, Philadelphia: G. Andre &
Co., 1862 [midi] [pdf]
Ole Shady (or The Song of the Contraband), [words and
music by Benjamin Russell Hanby], Boston: Oliver Ditson & Co., 1861
[midi] [pdf]
Columbia the Gem of the Ocean,
words and music by David T. Shaw, arranged by T.A. Becket, Philadelphia: Lee &
Walker, c. 1862 (first published in 1843)
[midi] [pdf]
Home Sweet Home, words by H.R. Bishop [and John
Howard Payne], music by H.R. Bishop, Chicago: McKinley Music Co., c. 1914
[midi] [pdf]
Who Will Care for Mother Now?, words
and music by Charles Carroll Sawyer, arranged by C.F. Thompson, Brooklyn: Sawyer
& Thompson, 1863 [midi] [pdf]
The John Brown Song (or Glory Hallelujah),
[music by William Steffe], Chicago: Root & Cady, 1861
[midi] [pdf]
My Country! ’Tis of Thee, [also known as America; words by Samuel Francis Smith], Boston:
C. Bradlee, c. 1832 [midi] [pdf]
Nearer, My God, to Thee, [words by Sarah
Flower Adams, music by Lowell Mason], adapted by C.A. White, Boston: White,
Smith & Co., 1881 [midi] [pdf]
I’se Gwine Back to Dixie, words and music
by C.A. White, Boston: White, Smith & Co., 1874
[midi] [pdf]
Fraternity, tune: Auld Lang Syne, [words by
Robert Burns], arranged by Adolph Baumbach, Chicago, S. Brainard’s Sons Co.,
1868 [midi]
Charity, [words by Charles Jefferys], music by S. Glover,
arranged by C. Everest, Philadelphia: Lee & Walker, 1868
[midi] [pdf]
Ode on Presentation of Badge, tune:
Hold the Fort, music by P.P. Bliss, Cincinnati: John Church Co.,
1898 [midi]
Combined Music
The Army Bean, tunes: Sweet By and By,
music by J.P. Webster, arranged for piano by E. Mack, Philadelphia: J.E. Ditson & Co., 1876, from the Library
of Congress Historic Sheet Music Collection; Go Tell Aunt Rhoda, old folk
tune, composer unknown, arranged by the Transcriber [midi]